Boost Your Shopify Sales With Social Media Marketing

In 1969, we listened as reporters told us man was walking on the moon. Now, less than 60 years later, we can map search any location on the planet.

We can video call friends anytime, anywhere. And we can sell our products to people all around the globe.

Shopify is a flexible, mobile shopping platform - it’s literally available in the palm of your hand.

Physical shops don’t have this advantage. They are stuck where they are and they can’t come home with you. However, just like the local corner store, you still need to market your business. One of the greatest things about the internet is its versatility. So if you’re going to use it to sell your products, why not use it to market them, too?

eCommerce is taking over the world. It’s as simple as that.

Everywhere we go, the internet follows. Whether it’s a QR code on a bus stop, or a bitly link in an Instagram post. Social media is the perfect complement for your online Shopify account. It is the ultimate, twenty-first century way to connect with your customers and potentially reach new ones.

There are hundreds of social media routes available. And the best part is, you don’t have to pick just one. Be aware that different media channels target different types of consumers. It is always important to consider who will be seeing your content. Posting the exact same message across all networks is not an effective way to obtain customers. If you tailor your marketing efforts towards the appropriate audience then you will get a much more positive result.

Here are four social media channels you could use to market your business, and the type of audience to target:

Facebook

Facebook is a great way to spruke your content to a variety of audiences. It is used by people across many demographics, like different age, gender, income and lifestyle. It allows you to create a company page that other Facebook users can follow. You can publish images, videos, content and links about your business and products. It even helps you gather information about your followers through polls and user interaction, such as comments and likes.

Through Facebook, you can post messages which are available for all of your followers to see. Briefly describe the product you want to advertise, but keep it brief. You don’t want to bore your followers. Finally, attach a link to your product in the post and you are good to go.

Always include at least one image because visuals attract attention quicker than words.

Instagram

Instagram is a photo-based blogging application that can be viewed by anyone that searches you on the app. It is used largely by both male and female teenagers and young adults. This app is ideal for products that are obvious and self-explanatory. Instagram is a visual medium, not a word-based one.
Using this app you can post photographs or short videos of your products. The app also allows you to include a bitly link on your company profile. Give each post a short summary caption. Provide a bit of information but keep it short, sharp and shiny. As they say - a picture paints a thousand words.

Snapchat

Snapchat is the new social media app that is taking the world by storm. It went from being used for personal communication to being a mode of marketing. Snapchat allows you to reach people who search and follow your user profile. Once they connect with you, they can view anything you post on your Snapchat Story. Your story is where you can post pictures and videos that are 10 seconds in length. The appeal with this app is its transience. Things posted to your story will only be visible for 24 hours, then they’re gone forever.

Due to its modern, digital nature, Snapchat is used mostly by a younger demographic. However, brands and businesses are jumping on the bandwagon more rapidly now than ever.

Snapchat allows you to edit posts to include words, images and filters. Your company can design an interactive filter and set it to appear as an edit option when users are in a specific location. For example, your logo will appear on their Snapchat screen when they are in your building vicinity. It does cost money to set up and maintain this feature however you are likely to reap the benefits, big time!

Filter creation is perhaps the most powerful marketing tool Snapchat has to offer.

We recommend you update your Snapchat story regularly. Fans love to see what goes on behind-the-scenes of their favourite brands and companies. Perhaps post videos of staff sharing funny work memories. If you have set up a discount scheme in Shopify, post the discount code on your Snapchat story. This is a mutually beneficial way to get consumers to interact with your Snapchat channel.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional social networking site. Your profile acts as a digital resume where like-minded people can compare and communicate. It targets an older demographic, generally people who have matured in the workforce. However, the workforce is becoming a more competitive space. This means more younger people at a graduate level are getting involved.

Target your posts towards this demographic, and write your message in a formal tone. You never know who might see it. Include an image of your product. We recommend you only use this post if your products are relevant to the professional sphere. For example, office furniture or corporate computer software. Incorporate links into your post and include a call to action in your description.

Social media is an invaluable resource and it is totally underrated in the business world.

These examples are only four of the many social media channels available for online marketing. At the Kingdom, our team of social media experts can help you maximise your online presence. Feel free to contact us today for a chat about how we can work together to optimise your eCommerce results.